Opportunities for 3D printing in the process industry

This bachelor thesis deals with the possibilities of using additive technologies in the process industry, especially in the field of heat exchangers (heat sinks), membrane distillation and structured packing. In the first part, the thesis provides an overview of the materials and additive technologies used in these process units. The next part is devoted to specific examples of the use of 3D printing in the process applications and their comparison with conventional manufacturing technologies in the world. Furthermore, an overview of supported projects according to the Research, Development and Innovation Information System projects and the market situation in the Czech Republic is outlined. Recommendations for the development of additive manufacturing in the process industry are proposed in the discussion. In the addressed area, process improvements (efficiency, performance or completely new applications) are most often achieved due to the ability of additive manufacturing to produce complex geometries increasing the functional area while maintaining built-up dimensions and materials specific to the process industry